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The 3 Phases of CO2

liquid

solid

gas

Carbon Dioxide has 3 physical states of gas, liquid and solid which depend on temperature and pressure.

CO2 Production an Dry Ice Plants - Tanks - Ancillary CO2 Equipment

The relationship between the 3 states is


shown on the pressure-temperature phase
diagram.

Where does CO2 come from?


CO2 is derived from a number of sources
including combustion of carbonaceous
fuels, fermentation, natural wells, coal
gasification and as a by-product of
industrial processes such as ethylene
oxide and ammonia synthesis.
CO2 phase diagram

The Solid State (Dry Ice)


Below the triple point (5.18 bar, - 56.6C) CO2 can only appear in its solid and gaseous state. Dry Ice is the
common trade name for solid CO2. At atmospheric pressure it has a temperature of approx. -79C. The
solid CO2 changes directly into its gaseous state. This evaporation (sublimation) does not leave any residues.
Dry ice is non-toxic, non-inflammable, inert, without smell and bacteriostatic. It is white and has a density of
approx. 1500 kg/m3 in its compact state. Dry ice is an ideal refrigerant which qualifies especially well for
various applications. It has a high cooling capacity and heat transfer is very high when in direct contact with
the cold material.

Dry ice slices and blocks

16mm pellets

3mm pellets

ASCO has the best range of Dry Ice Machines for dry ice production.

CO2 Production and Dry Ice Plants - Tanks - Ancillary CO2 Equipment

The Liquid State


Within a temperature range between -56.6C and 31C and pressure greater than 5.2 bar and less than 74
bar respectively CO2 is in its liquid state except at very high pressures. This means that, below 5.2 bar,
CO2 exists only in its solid or gaseous state. At 5.2 bar and - 56.6C all three states (solid, liquid and gas)
are present. This is called the triple point.
The critical point of CO2 lies at a temperature of approx. 31C and a pressure of approx. 74 bar. Normal
CO2 liquid can only be formed at temperatures below 31C. Above the critical point there is no physical
difference between the liquid and gaseous phase. This supercritical state is also called Fluid. The liquid
state is important for the storage and transportation of CO2 as well as during cooling and freezing applications.
During release of the liquid CO2 to atmosphere a temperature of -79C is reached. This is associated with
a high cooling capacity due to the evaporation heat which is extracted from the environment when releasing
the liquid CO2.

horizontal CO2 storage tank

vertical CO2 storage tank

ISO Container for transportation of CO2

The Gaseous State


CO2 gas has a density of approx. 1.9kg/m3 at atmospheric pressure, +15C. CO2 has many unique and
beneficial features which make it valuable in the preservation of packaged food, in explosion and fire protection,
in pest control and as protective gas in arc welding. In all these applications it is important for the CO2 gas
to drive out and replace the atmospheric oxygen. Moreover, CO2 gas is used for enriching the atmosphere
in greenhouses, in storing fruits and vegetables and for pH control when treating potable and waste water.

CO2 for beverage carbonation

CO2 fumigation in pest control

Please contact us for further applications!


CO2 Production and Dry Ice Plants - Tanks - Ancillary CO2 Equipment

We manufacture and supply:

Contact us for further details or offer:


Switzerland (Head Office)

1320e

CO2 Production Plants


CO2 Stack Gas Recovery Plants
CO2 Gas Recovery Systems for Dry Ice Machines
Dry Ice Slices/Block/Pelletizer Machines
Dry Ice Blasting Systems ASCOJET
Cryogenic and CO2 Static and Transportable Tanks
CO2 Pumps and Cylinder Filling Systems
CO2 Atmospheric Vaporisers
CO2 Detectors
CO2 Flowmeters
Low to Low Pressure CO2 Transfer Pumps
CO2 Testing Equipment (Dew Point / Purity / Carbonation)
Ancillary CO2 Equipment

ASCO CARBON DIOXIDE LTD

Industriestr. 2, CH-8590 Romanshorn


Tel. + 41 71 466 80 80 Fax + 41 71 466 80 66
e-mail: info@ascoco2.com

www.ascoco2.com

New Zealand
P.O.Box 16134, NZ-Christchurch
Tel. + 64 3 349 7029 Fax + 64 3 349 4337
e-mail: info@asco.co.nz

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